While Fábregas is currently minded to stay at Barcelona there is a recognition that if the Catalan club were to give the green light for his sale then the 26-year-old would have to give thought to his future and there would be a decision to be made.

The former Arsenal midfielder has consistently rejected any talk this summer of a move away from Barcelona and even if the club were to signal he could leave, Fábregas, who has three years remaining on his contract, could decide to stay and fight for a regular starting place under the coach, Tito Vilanova.

While Barcelona are yet to make any official public statement regarding their stance on United's offer, Arsenal retain a first buyback option on Fábregas but this is nullified if he does not want a return to the north London club, which appears likely.